DAVID Bowie tribute David Live! is part of an exciting programme of events for autumn at Glusburn Community and Arts Centre, Glusburn.

Also lined up is The Greatest Movies Show cabaret and Frankie Valli tribute The Ragdolls later in the year. And heading back are many of the regular groups, including some who have met in the centre for several years, including pre-schoolers, health and fitness, craft and social groups.

New groups now meeting in the centre include Skipton Music Centre and Sutton’s Got Brass.

Centre chair, Gill Birks, said a new venture is short skill-based courses aimed at teenagers to be held after school, evenings and weekends and planned to link in with the skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, if wanted.

The centre is currently planning mixed media, cookery, sewing and knitting, Zumba and pre-driving, but further ideas might include coding, photography, beauty and nail care and table tennis coaching if there is enough interest.

“We are trying to keep the cost of these courses low to start off, to give the opportunity to as wide a number of students as possible, “ said Gill.

“We have received a grant from the Big Lottery Community Fund which has helped with initial set up costs as part of the Covid Recovery Fund. Another idea is to help further music development and using our ability as a charity to apply for funding to support this. We are hoping to have a DJ workshop linked to a Leeds based company before long.”

Also planned is a wellbeing cafe to be held on Monday mornings and to include a craft activity run by an arts tutor with the help of Pioneer Projects.

“The idea is that people can just drop in for a chat or take part in an activity. It is being set up to try and help local residents who want to venture out again after being housebound for so long,” said Gill.

Meanwhile, the centre, which is normally open seven days a week, is appealing for more volunteers to help run the bar, the cafe and the sound system, as well as a host of other jobs.

The £200,000 from the Big Lottery has allowed the centre to develop and next up is the renovation of the former chapel, entrance area and doors in the old baths area.

Find out more at: www.gicac.org.uk